PROFESSOR Ronald J Barr has been appointed the new principal at Isle of Man College.
Currently deputy principal, he will begin his new role from September 1 and replaces Dr Ian Killip who is retiring after four years as college principal and six years as deputy principal.
Professor Barr studied at Glasgow University where he gained an MA joint honours degree in history and politics.
This was followed by a postgraduate certificate in Secondary Teaching at Aberdeen College of Education and then MA and PhD research degrees in US History at Louisiana State University.
He holds Fellowships with the Royal Historical Society, the Higher Education Academy and the Royal Society for the Arts.
He previously taught at Chester and Liverpool Universities and was Head of History and Archaeology at Chester before coming to the Island in 2007.
A published author, his research interests include aspects of US, British and military history and he has appeared on television and radio history and current affairs programmes.
He has also delivered research papers at universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh.
He said: "It is a great honour to be given an opportunity to lead the college at this important time. The college consists of many dedicated academic and support staff who give much of themselves to deliver vocational, further and higher education providing training and skills that are essential to the Island’s economy and the wider well being of the community.
"I look forward to helping ensure that the college and its staff continue to provide the education and training opportunities that Island employers and the wider community require."
Professor Barr’s wife, Alison, is from Glasgow and is a former compliance manager with Marks and Spencer Money.
Their children attend Island schools with James, the youngest, at Dhoon School and Joanna at Ramsey Grammar School.
Professor Barr is keen on gardening, walking and fishing, is a steward at Trinity Church, Ramsey, and is also a committee member with Manx Muscular Dystrophy.
Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK said: "I am delighted that Professor Barr has been successful in his application for the post of principal at the college.
"This is a major appointment in the education system of the Island and his success will be reflected in the success of those of our young people who are educated by his team.
"While I have only been in the department for a short period, I have been impressed by Professor Barr and I am sure that he will bring continuity to the role at a very difficult and challenging time for education on the Island.
"He will, I am sure, build upon the excellent foundations put in place by Dr Ian Killip, his predecessor, and I wish him well in his new role."
The Isle of Man College, located in Homefield Road, Douglas, has 8,000 full-time and part-time students.
